All About Mama Registry

If there’s one thing we’ve learned through all of our collective Well Rounded babies, it’s that a happy baby starts with a happy mama. And yet, in the chaos of taking care of a newborn, we often forget to take care of ourselves. The best way to remedy that? Plan your postpartum before baby arrives by adding some stuff to your baby registry that’s all about mama.

We know what you’re thinking: isn’t a baby registry supposed to be for baby? Not anymore. We’ve partnered with Babylist to curate 15 baby registry items that are as much about baby care as they are about self-care. All you have to do to add them to your registry is sign up for a Babylist registry, add the Babylist button, then click on each link to add the product to your own Babylist registry. Go ahead, mama, you deserve it.

The newest compact stroller in Bugaboo’s arsenal is your personal parenting statement. It comes in endless design combinations, so you can rock your own style while you’re rolling down the city streets. And with that super-easy one-hand, one-piece fold, plus unparalleled stability and swivel maneuverability, life with baby will be easy breezy.

If you’re planning to nurse, you’re going to need the right tools. And that goes beyond your two boobs. Bamboobies ultra-soft Washable Nursing Pads will keep you dry and comfortable because, um, leakage happens. The ultra-thin, heart-shaped regular nursing pads are perfect for light leaking, while the round shaped overnight nursing pads are more absorbent for newborn nursing.

The newest innovation from Dr. Harvey Karp, the sleep expert and pediatrician behind the “Happiest Baby on the Block,” is designed to help mama get a little more sleep. The stylish SNOO smart bassinet provides movement and soothing noises to help put baby back to sleep. It’s also super-safe, so you can rest easy that baby’s resting easy.

Having a baby can wreak havoc on your lady parts, but that doesn’t mean you have to walk around feeling self-conscious of sneezing a little too hard. Icon’s undies hold up to 6 teaspoons, plus they have fast-wicking liners, leak-resistant sides, odor-eliminating treatment and ultra-thin absorbency.

We know, you don’t think of a diaper pail as a luxury for mama, but once you get a whiff of that first big blowout, you’ll be thankful you’re not using a regular old trash bin. Ubbi’s adorable version provides maximum odor control, strategically designed rubber seals to lock in odor, and a slid lid to help keep the smell inside.

Is it so wrong for mama to want a clean house….and a clean baby? Babyganics baby-safe gift set includes all your essentials to clean that very cute, but very dirty little babe: shampoo, lotion, dish soap and more, all made with plant-based, baby-safe ingredients, in a reusable fabric cube.

After baby arrives, it’s so important to keep moving (and doing the things you love doing). Babywearing is a must, and Ergobaby’s new Adapt carrier makes it easy to do it from the earliest of newborn days, no insert necessary. It’s got Ergobaby’s renowned comfort and ergonomics, 3-position options and can be used for a toddler up to 45 lbs. And we’re totally crushing on Ergo’s new patterns like this Geo Black Print.

You cannot underestimate the satisfaction you will get when you pull on your first pair of non-maternity jeans postpartum. NYDJ makes it easy to do it early with the ultra-soft, ultra-stretchy Alina Ankle Jean, with a slim silhouette and a released hem for a chic, lived-in look. Did we mention it’s got an exclusive Lift Tuck® slimming technology to make you look and feel one whole size smaller? Not that you need it, but….

We know, we know: if you lose one more sock, you might lose it, right? Stay sane with June & January’s itty bitty baby booties. They’re soft and light, so baby will barely even know she’s wearing them, and that velcro closure will make sure they stay put. Use code CCIERF8XD51T and get $10 off your first order at juneandjanuary.com, which means they’re basically free. A win for mama, for sure.

We all have the best intentions to feed baby the healthiest, most homemade food, but then, well, life gets in the way. Little Spoon helps you execute on your dream with its 1 container per day subscription service. That’s one container of fresh, organic baby food bundled into a two week shipment sent right to your doorstep.

We know, you thought your fashion challenges would end with pregnancy. But if you’re nursing, it’s worth treating yourself to a new wardrobe that’s breast-accessible. We’re in love with Teat & Cosset’s smart styles that turn the term “breastfeeding fashion” on its head, like this soft and cozy Vivian shirtdress. It’s as perfect for those first few days home from the hospital (OMG, company’s here!) as it is for heading back to the office.

There’s no better time to start meditating than when you’ve got a baby on the way. Meditation during pregnancy & postpartum can help with stress & anxiety, increase your connection with baby, reduce the chance of postpartum depression and more. Expectful’s online pregnancy meditations are easy and effective...and take just 10 minutes. Which is good, because sometimes that’s all you have.

Uma Body Oil

So we know you can’t take an hour-long essential oil bath every day as a new mom, but you can give yourself a quick body rub with Uma’s anti-aging body oil, and that’s almost as good. This luxurious blend of botanicals not only feels smooth, light and delicious, but also fights free radicals and environmental toxins. And if you’re not in love with your new stretch marks (we don’t judge), this hydrating oil also enhances cellular turnover and promotes elasticity, which can diminish visible “imperfections.”

Whether you’re a formula-feeding, breastfeeding or combo-feeding mama, there will likely come a time when you need (or want!) to give baby a bottle. Munchkin’s LATCH bottle was designed to mimic the breastfeeding experience, making it easier to transition from breast to bottle and back. Which means mama can hand baby (and bottle) over to take a shower, or hit the gym….or just sit and stare at the wall.

Baby and mama gear is great and all, but spending time with that new little person during those first few weeks is priceless. Instead of adding one more baby item to your registry wish list, use Babylist to ask your friends and family to pitch in to help fund your parental leave. Once you start a registry, simply pick "Enter Your Own" and let your loved ones help you take a few extra few days or weeks off from work to hang with your baby.

With two babies in tow, getting out the door often becomes doubly challenging. From the extra things to carry to the extra space needed in your backseat, it can be easy to feel daunted at the prospect of a day out. But before you resign yourself to life indoors, try incorporating these five genius products from Nuna to get you and the littles out the door. (Because Vitamin D is important, mama!)

1. A
brilliant double stroller

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You've got more to carry—and this stroller gets it. The DEMI™ grow stroller from Nuna easily converts from a single ride to a double stroller thanks to a few easy-to-install accessories. And with 23 potential configurations, you're ready to hit the road no matter what life throws at you.

2. A light
car seat

Lugging a heavy car seat is the last thing a mama of two needs to have on her hands. Instead, pick up the PIPA™ lite, a safe, svelte design that weighs in at just 5.3 pounds (not counting the canopy or insert)—that's less than the average newborn! When you need to transition from car to stroller, this little beauty works seamlessly with Nuna's DEMI™ grow.

3. A super
safe car seat base

The thing new moms of multiples really need to get out the door? A little peace of mind. The PIPA™ base features a steel stability leg for maximum security that helps to minimize forward rotation during impact by up to 90% (compared to non-stability leg systems) and 5-second installation for busy mamas.

4. A
diaper bag you want to carry

It's hard to find an accessory that's as stylish as it is functional. But the Nuna diaper bag pulls out all the stops with a sleek design that perfectly conceals a deceptively roomy interior (that safely stores everything from extra diapers to your laptop!). And with three ways to wear it, even Dad will want to take this one to the park.

5. A crib
that travels

Getting a new baby on a nap schedule—while still getting out of the house—is hard. But with the SENA™ aire mini, you can have a crib ready no matter where your day takes you. It folds down and pops up easily for sleepovers at grandma's or unexpected naps at your friend's house, and the 360-degree ventilation ensures a comfortable sleep.

One of the hardest areas to declutter can be your children's toy closet. Does that beeping, singing firetruck spark joy for you? Well no, in fact, it might be the most frustrating toy, but then again, having an occupied, entertained child sparks more joy than all of your household items combined.

So do more toys really mean a more engaged child? Studies say no. Having fewer toys leads to a more ordered home and encourages your child to develop creativity, concentration and a sense of responsibility for taking care of their belongings. But how do you go about reducing the number of toys your child has when there are so many "must haves" on the market? Perhaps more importantly, how do you ensure you don't bring any more toys that will be quickly forgotten into your home?

The secret: Look for toys that are open-ended, toys that will last for years, toys that encourage creativity, and toys that benefit development.

Open-ended construction

Toys that are open-ended, rather than have just one use, empower your child to be an active participant in their own play. An example of an open-ended toy is a set of blocks, while a more limited use toy might be a talking toy robot. Blocks are only fun if your child applies their own creative thinking skills to make them fun, while the robot is a much more passive type of entertainment.

Open-ended toys also tend to keep children's interest for much longer, as they grow with your child—as their skills develop, they can build increasingly complex structures and scenarios.

There are so many beautiful sets of blocks available, but here are a few good choices.

Pretend play

Beginning in early toddlerhood, many children begin to incorporate pretend play into their repertoire. They do this all on their own, without the aid of toys, turning mud into pies and sticks into hammers.

Still, these toys will encourage their budding imaginations and also allow them to process things they experience in their own lives through role-playing and pretend play.

Music

Music provides a great deal of joy to most children, and can also aid in brain development.

Providing regular opportunities for your young child to both create and listen to music will encourage him to develop an appreciation for music, an understanding of rhythm, and an outlet for creative expression.

Movement

Giving young children opportunities for movement is so important, both for their gross motor development and for giving them a daily outlet for their boundless energy. Children who spend plenty of time running around generally sleep better and are often better able to concentrate on quieter activities like reading.

Encouraging plenty of unstructured time outside is the best way to ensure your child gets enough daily movement. These toys though can help your child develop muscle coordination and strength, while also providing plenty of fun.

Puzzles

Puzzles are wonderful toys for helping children develop spatial understanding, problem-solving skills, resilience and new vocabulary. Bonus, they also provide a quiet activity that can engage even young children for an extended period of time!

Taking the plunge and reducing your children's toy collection can be scary. If you're uncertain whether your child will miss a certain toy, try putting it away in a closet for a month to see if they notice. Take some time to observe your child with their reduced toy collection and notice how their play changes.

Once you commit to fewer toys, you'll find you can truly be intentional with what you provide your child and can also choose higher quality toys when you're only purchasing a few. There will also be far fewer little objects strewn around the house to trip over, which is a huge bonus!

For so many parents, finding and funding childcare is a constant struggle. How would your life change if you didn't have to worry about finding and paying for quality childcare? Would you go back to work? Work more hours? Or just take the four figures you'd save each month and pay off your student loans faster?

Critics of Warren's plan worry about the price tag and potential for ballooning bureaucracy, and some are concerned that subsidizing childcare could actually make it more expensive for those who have a government-funded spot, as it could result in fewer private childcare providers.

But Finland's population is on par with Minnesota's. Sweden is comparable to Michigan.

So could the Nordic model scale to serve the hundreds of millions of families in America?

As Eeva Penttila, speaking as the head of international relations for Helsinki, Finland's education department once told The Globe and Mail, "you can't take one element out and transfer it to your own country. Education is the result of culture, history and the society of a nation."

Back in World War II, when women needed to step into the workforce as men fought overseas, America invested in a network of childcare to the tune of $1 billion (adjusted to today's money) and served hundreds of thousands of families in almost every state through center-based care. Parents paid between $0.50 and $0.75 per child per day (the equivalent of about $10 in today's money).

It won't happen overnight

While some American parents might be daydreaming of a life without a four-figure day care bill in 2020, the road to true universal childcare for all children in America would be a long one. Peter Moss, a researcher at the University of London's Institute of Education, previously told The Globe and Mail it took Sweden "many years to get it right."

Indeed, the 1990s saw long wait lists at Swedish day cares, but the growing pains of the '90s paved the way for the enviable system Swedes enjoy today.

According to Moss, governments in other countries look at the Nordic model and "tend to say, 'We can't do that.' But what they really mean is 'We can't suddenly do that.' In other countries, they just don't get to grips with what needs doing and actually plot a course."

Maybe America's starting point is found in its history books, or in the modern day preschools of the nation's capital, or in the conversations happening between now and 2020. It doesn't have to be Warren's plan, but America does need a plan for safer, more affordable childcare.

Ayesha Curry counts herself among those moms who become more efficient at work after becoming parents. The entrepreneurial mom of three seems unstoppable when it comes to expanding her career, which she launched as a lifestyle blog back when the oldest of her three children was still a baby.

"You don't realize how much you can get done in a day until you become a parent and you're like, 'what was I doing with my time before'?" she recently old Cheddar's Nora Ali.

Now less than seven years later she's built her own empire as a mom, not in spite of being one.

Now a New York Times best-selling cookbook author and restaurateur, Curry has also got her own brand, Homemade, and you can find her products bearing her name in places like Target and JC Penny. She's been promoting a partnership with GoDaddy and she's an ambassador for the Honest Company, too.

Curry says motherhood taught her how to multitask and manage her time.

"I have three children, so I've had to grow four invisible arms," she explains. "I've definitely learned efficiency through being a parent. It's helped me in my business tenfold."

As a celebrity, Curry's life experience is kind of unique, but her experience of becoming better at work because of motherhood isn't, according to experts.

Career coach Eileen Chadnick previously told Motherly that motherhood is an asset in the workplace, in part because it trains women to be both empathetic and assertive at the same time, a combo that makes for great leaders. "There are incredibly nice, compassionate women who are very strong and know how to take a stand," Chadmick said. "And they're trusted and admired by others even if they need to say 'no' to their employees."

That's something Curry agrees with. Because it's her name on that frying pan, cookbook or bedspread, she doesn't shy away from saying 'no' when she doesn't like something. "I'm really good about being forceful and putting my foot down," she explains.

It's easier to put your foot down when you've already grown four invisible arms. That's the balancing act of motherhood, and it's what makes this mama so good at business.

It may seem like there are more recalls than ever these days, but that's actually a good thing for parents. It means fewer potentially dangerous products are making it to our dinner tables and medicine cabinets.

According to food safety experts, the spike in recall notices for everything from broccoli to baby toys in recent years suggests companies are doing a better job of self-reporting, and we're actually safer than we were in the days when recalls were rare.

"It reflects a food industry that takes contamination and foodborne illnesses seriously. Increasingly companies are willing to recall their products rather than expose customers to potential harm," Dr. William Hallman, professor and chair of Rutgers Department of Human Ecology, said in an interview with Food Drive."So more companies are taking a cautionary approach."

Here are the recalls parents need to know about this month:

Dollar General Baby Gripe Water

The FDA issued a recall notice for "DC Baby Gripe Water herbal supplement with organic ginger and fennel extracts" after the company received one report of a one-week old baby who had difficulty swallowing the product, and there were three other complaints "attributed to the undissolved citrus flavonoid."

The FDA says "the product should not be considered hazardous but could result in difficulty when swallowing the product for sensitive individuals."

Basically, it's not harmful if swallowed but the undissolved flavonoid makes it a choking hazard.

The gripe water was sold at Dollar General stores in four ounce bottles with the UPC code 8 5495400246 3.

Nature's Path Envirokidz gluten free cereals

If you've got a kiddo with celiac disease you're probably familiar with the EnviroKidz kine of gluten free cereals sold at Trader Joe's and other grocery stores. Unfortunately, Nature's Path, the maker of the cereals, is recalling more than 400,000 boxes of Envirokidz cereals in the U.S. and Canada due to potential gluten contamination.

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